The Indiana Pacers enter Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals brimming with confidence and resilience, having evened the series with a strong 116-107 win in Game 4 and showcasing a level of poise, offensive dynamism, and team chemistry that continues to catch critics and fans alike by surprise. This Pacers team, guided by the steady leadership and elite basketball IQ of Tyrese Haliburton, has grown increasingly comfortable under the intense spotlight of the Finals, demonstrating their ability to respond to adversity and execute with surgical precision in crunch time. Haliburton’s evolution into a true floor general has transformed Indiana’s offensive ceiling, as he effortlessly blends scoring with unselfish playmaking, and his decision-making late in games has given Indiana an edge against a Thunder squad that thrives on defensive disruption. Alongside him, Pascal Siakam has brought championship pedigree and veteran composure, providing the kind of shot creation, rebounding, and off-ball movement that has allowed Indiana to manipulate Oklahoma City’s switching schemes and generate high-quality looks. Role players like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell have consistently outperformed expectations, contributing with hustle, timely shooting, and defensive intensity, especially when rotating to challenge perimeter shooters or chase second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, the Pacers have honed in on limiting OKC’s transition game and keeping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in front with strategic help from Myles Turner, whose rim protection and defensive rebounding have been pivotal in turning momentum and starting fast-breaks. Coach Rick Carlisle has masterfully adjusted Indiana’s spacing and off-ball motion, forcing mismatches and keeping the Thunder’s defense in constant motion, which has worn them down in second halves. The Pacers’ ball movement and willingness to trust each other in late-game possessions have made them one of the most difficult teams to guard, especially when their three-point shooting is clicking. As they hit the road for Game 5, Indiana is embracing the underdog narrative, with a chip on their shoulder and a belief that they can win not just a game, but a championship, by staying true to their identity—fluid offense, disruptive defense, and relentless effort. Paycom Center will be a hostile environment, but Indiana has already proven they can win in that building, and their focus now is to control tempo early, avoid careless turnovers, and capitalize on second-unit matchups when the Thunder rotate in their bench. With each passing game, the Pacers look more seasoned, and their cohesion has elevated them from surprise Finals contender to legitimate title threat. If Haliburton continues to dictate pace, Siakam delivers another efficient night, and their defense contains OKC’s perimeter threats, Indiana could take Game 5 on the road and move one win away from delivering the franchise’s first NBA title—cementing a historic postseason run built on teamwork, toughness, and belief.